OXFORD — Selectmen approved a motion to expand the code enforcement officer’s duties and motions to have the town manager pursue tax increment financing and a grant for town projects.

The meeting took place at Oxford Elementary School after Thursday’s special town meeting.

Town Manager Michael Chammings told selectmen that construction in Oxford would soon have to conform to the new Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code, in addition to Oxford’s own building codes.

State law requires builders hire third-party inspectors to ensure they meet the Maine code, unless the municipal code enforcement officer is trained to enforce state codes as well. Selectmen voted to expand the duties of Code Enforcement Officer Rodney Smith by providing for extensive training in enforcing the new state code.

Selectmen also voted to allow Chammings to pursue a Community Development Block Grant to repair the former Robinson Mill. He said investors have come to look at the mill, but because the mill has fallen into neglect, damage to the building has dissuaded people.

The grant would use federal money to repair the building for commercial use.

“As it sits there and doesn’t go on the tax rolls, it keeps losing money,” Chammings told selectmen. The board voted unanimously for Chammings to pursue the grants.

Selectmen also approved moving forward with tax increment financing to help expand the water district. Chammings outlined proposed extensions of the water line on Pottle Road, Staples Avenue, Coldwater Brook Road, Birch Avenue and others for an estimated 19,200 feet of pipe serving as many as 150 Oxford citizens.

The program is expected to add value to the neighborhoods serviced, increasing tax revenue to pay for the project after the fact.

Selectmen will meet at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 20 at the Municipal Center.

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